Root Canal Treatment

Introduction

Root canal treatment often conjures up a frightening picture in your mind, of pain, sharp instruments and multiple visits to the dentist.

However, with recent advances in dentistry, root canal treatment has not only become painless, but also requires minimum appointments. In some case, it's Single Sitting Root Canal Treatment.

Root Canal Treatment is also known as endodontic treatment i.e. treatment within the tooth. Root Canal Treatment essentially involves cleaning of the infected pulp space by complete removal of the infected pulp tissue and tooth filling with an inert material to preserve its functionalit

WHY RCT?

Dental Crown Lengthening

Gum Graft Surgery

Ridge Augmentation

If left unattended the decay in the tooth spreads to the inner layers of the tooth, affects the nerve and then breaks open the bony wall surrounding the tip of the root. Pus accumulates and the tooth becomes painful and tender to touch. In case of teeth that have suffered traumatic injury; the force of the impact itself sometimes damages the nerve of the involved tooth. As a result, the nerve gets infected resulting in severe pain. In such cases root canal treatment is advised.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

If the relevant nerve is vital; the dentist anesthetizes the surrounding areas. The decayed part of the tooth is removed. Using special drills; an access cavity is prepared into the nerve chamber. The inner tissue is cleaned out thoroughly by using root canal files. At the time the root canal (nerve chamber) is widened to accommodate root canal filling material. The root canals are also irrigated with the special medicaments to make them totally germ free.

The root canal is now ready to be filled. After the filling is completed the tooth is restored, using strong materials, like silver, composite etc. to it's original shape. The tooth is then capped (crowned) using Metal, Procelain Acrylic or Combinations.

The root canal treatment is now complete. The internal healing takes places within 15-21 days and the tooth becomes as good as a healthy new tooth.

The tooth can be treated as a normal tooth while chewing etc. Maintenance of oral hygiene is also importance. Root canal treatment, if properly done, is a permanent treatment. In certain cases, it can be completed in one sitting. Otherwise, it may take 2 or 3 sittings only. Capping / Crowning is mandatory : to ensure best results.

SIDE EFFECT OF RCT

As with all dental and medical treatments, root canal treatment has risks. The following list of possible side effects is intended to inform you about some of the potential problems.

Loss of tooth:Â While root canal treatment can save most teeth, it is not possible to guarantee that it will be successful in every case.

Infection: Infection is likely to resolve completely but re-infection is possible, but low. If the tooth is re-infected, it can be treated again or removed.

Discolouration: In some cases the tooth can become darker, which can be treated by bleaching, or an artificial crown or veneer.

Pain or discomfort:Â Some people may continue to have pain or discomfort around the tooth during and following treatment.

Weakness:Â An endodontically treated tooth may be not as strong and durable as a normal tooth.

Altered feeling:Â During and after treatment, the tooth may feel slightly different from the other teeth.